Welcome to Shaldon

Welcome to Shaldon

Shaldon

Widely regarded as one of Teignbridge’s most desirable villages, the quaint former fishing village of Shaldon is situated on the banks of the river Teign with easy access to Teignmouth by a (very) short passenger ferry trip, by car or on foot via Shaldon Bridge. Originally opened on 8^th June 1827, the bridge was 1,671 feet in length and comprised 34 wooden arches with substantial stone walls at both ends, these still exist. Unfortunately, this first bridge succumbed very quickly to the elements and the middle two arches collapsed only 11 years into its existence. The bridge in its current guise was completed in 1931 after act of parliament enabled widening and strengthening for the predominantly vehicular traffic. Originally a toll bridge, the old toll house still remains at the Teignmouth end of the bridge as a residential home and has in fact been on the open market within the last year. For those who like a chilling tale, there are a number of reported sightings of a ghostly cloaked figure on the bridge, who vanishes just as quickly as he or she appears!

The history of the village dates back as far as the medieval period when it was home to a small fishing and farming community. By the Victorian era when the seaside holiday came into its own, Shaldon became significant as a destination and remains so today, attracting tourists from far and wide in the summer months, being renowned for its winding streets and character cottages. It is considered a high-end destination and some properties are now used as luxury holiday accommodation.

Local attractions include: Shaldon Zoo, established in the 1960s, a small but by no means insignificant wildlife conservation project which is open to the public year-round. It offers the opportunity to glimpse a variety of animals in a beautiful coastal setting. A variety of restaurants and public houses which are popular with locals and tourists alike, many being sufficiently well-regarded to require pre-bookings even out of season. There is also a small but very popular beach, and a secret “Smugglers’ Tunnel” which may have nefarious past.

Charming character cottages of some age can be found nestled in the heart of the village, around the green, and in the winding streets. More modern homes are located on the outskirts and in adjacent Ringwood. Some of these having undergone extensive remodelling into highly-desirable and stylish homes with simply superb estuary views, it is perhaps unsurprising that homes in Shaldon command premium price tags. The village offers a slice of idyllic Devon coastal life to its lucky inhabitants and properties are often snapped up in record time, so if this is where you want to be, talk to us and we will be very pleased to keep you in the know with up-and-coming house sales.